George Young hosts ceremony honoring Oklahoma inventor Mildrige “Andy” Anderson

State Sen. George Young, D-Oklahoma City, hosted an event at the state Capitol Friday honoring the life and legacy of Oklahoma inventor Mildrige “Andy” Anderson.

A native of Earlsboro, Anderson enlisted in the Army in 1946 at the age of 16 after graduating from Douglass High School in Wewoka. A World War II veteran, he received the Victory Medal, Occupation Medal and American Medal during his years of service. After being honorably discharged in 1949, he attended Langston University and later received his master’s degree in business administration from the University of Colorado.

Anderson worked at Tinker Air Force Base for 35 years as an electronic mechanic general foreman. He became an expert in the electric component of the GAM-77 “hound dog” missile and invented a “black box” gadget that located reproducer troubles in the missile, receiving $125 for the invention in 1963, an equivalent of $1,146 in 2022.

“Andy was an exceptional Oklahoman – he loved his state, his country and his family,” Young said. “Among his many accomplishments over his lifetime included ‘inventor,’ a title he claimed during his career at Tinker Air Force Base. Andy’s bright mind made a substantial impact on our state, and I’m proud to help honor his life.”